Press release - May 23, 2017
23 May 2017 (BERLIN) — Today the governments of Canada, China and the EU announced they will co-host, in September, a ministerial meeting similar to the Major Economies Forum (MEF) to move forward the Paris Agreement. The MEF is a high level international climate and energy initiative that was created by former U.S. President, Barack Obama. The announcement was made as climate ministers concluded their meetings at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.
23 May 2017 (BERLIN) — Today the governments of Canada, China and the EU announced they will co-host, in September, a ministerial meeting similar to the Major Economies Forum (MEF) to move forward the Paris Agreement. The MEF is a high level international climate and energy initiative that was created by former U.S. President, Barack Obama. The announcement was made as climate ministers concluded their meetings at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.
In response, Li Shuo, Climate Policy Advisor with Greenpeace East Asia, said:
“This new alliance is the strongest case of countries stepping up to fill the climate diplomacy gap left by the U.S. While the White House leaves the stage claiming a fear of job losses, other countries are embracing the Accord with opportunities in mind. Climate action is sidelined by the Trump administration, but in many other parts of the world shared leadership is no doubt taking shape. With this political alliance, the trio now need to make bridging the ambition gap their utmost priority.”
In response, Keith Stewart, Senior Energy Strategist with Greenpeace Canada, said:
"Trump's rollback of efforts to combat climate change should catalyze even stronger action by the rest of us. No single country will be able to derail global progress if others are taking the lead transitioning toward equitable, green economies. By supporting scientists, enacting strong legislation to protect communities and the environment, and putting our demand dollars into renewables — rather than pipelines and extreme oil sources — Canada and other countries can show the leadership needed to spark this transition today."
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Contact:
Jesse Firempong, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Canada, 778-996-6549,
Greenpeace International Press Desk, , phone: +31 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)